“Young people are the future of the Church,” writes Bishop Jaroslav Pryriz of the Diocese of Sambir-Drohobych, to ACN. That is why the work with children and young people is close to his heart and why, in his diocese, a great deal of attention is paid to the young. Since 1994, in most of the parishes of his diocese, Christian summer camps have been organized. The aim of this is to combine recreation with religious education. The program includes hiking, sports, games, singing and prayers. "The spiritual atmosphere, the kind deeds and the ready smiles linger on in the hearts of those who participate," adds the bishop, with evident joy.

By now the summer holiday camps involve as many as 2,000 young people each year, and they are getting bigger from year to year. "Our conversations with the children and young people show us that we have a good future for the Church, and that we must work still more with the younger generation," says Bishop Pryriz.

A center for youth work has been established in his diocese, where the summer camps are organized and prepared. But the bishop would like to do still more for the younger generation, and so, in addition, retreats for young people, courses for group leaders and a range of other activities are offered, including a competition in which youth choirs from all over the diocese perform Christmas carols, and also a competition for a nativity play.

Until recently, the diocese had to rent the premises for all these activities, which cost a lot of money. Thankfully, now a building has been found that is large enough to accommodate up to 60 people, but it does not have a large hall in which the various activities can be held. The bishop has therefore turned to ACN for help, and we have promised him a contribution of $9,400. Will you give to support Bishop Pryriz’s outreach to young people as he works to expand this youth center in Ukraine?

This project is an example of our work. Your donation will be attributed either to this or to another similar project that accords with the pastoral needs that ACN witnesses.